Chapter 279: Tang San's Plan, Executing Dugu Bo
"Plan?"
As the crown prince, Xue Beng had almost reached the point of following Tang San's advice without question.
After all, every decision and plan Tang San made greatly benefited the Heaven Dou Empire, so naturally, Xue Beng wanted to know what new idea Tang San had to help the empire counter the Spirit Empire.
Xue Beng said softly, "Tang San, please speak directly."
Tang San nodded slightly and shared his view: "Your Highness, when I infiltrated deep into the Spirit Empire, I found that their central defenses were not as strong as I had imagined."
"In other words, they have deployed most of their forces on the front lines to put pressure on us."
"I believe they are doing this for two reasons: first, to create a huge pressure on us, causing our soldiers to fear and feel oppressed by the Spirit Empire; and second, both Su Yun and Bibi Dong need time to become gods."
Xue Beng thought for a moment, then met Tang San's gaze and asked, "So… what is your plan, Tang San?"
"Catch them off guard and strike at their heart!"
Tang San's eyes showed a hint of determination as he said, "The most important place in the Spirit Empire is Spirit City. I want to gather a group of top experts and launch a surprise night attack to capture Spirit City!"
Hearing this, Xue Beng was shocked. However, before he could speak, Tang Xiao and the others immediately stood up to stop him: "Xiao San, you can't!"
"Xiao San, since you rescued Lou Gao, the Spirit Empire's internal defenses have become much stronger than before."
Yu Yuanzhen said, "The defenses of Gengxin City are like this; let alone Spirit City, where you rescued Yu Xiaogang?"
If Tang San had chosen to attack Spirit City directly instead of rescuing Yu Xiaogang, there might have been a chance, but thinking of this now is clearly a bit late.
Seeing the elders' opposition, Tang San smiled and said, "Uncle, you really underestimate me now."
"When I went to rescue Master Lou Gao, I didn't reveal much of my power."
"The Spirit Empire's Douluo probably still thinks I'm about the same as before, without much improvement."
"But now, I've already passed the eighth trial of the Sea God, and even a rank 97 Titled Douluo is not my match."
"As long as we find the right opportunity and catch Bibi Dong and Su Yun while they are in seclusion, the effect will be significant."
"Avoid their sharp edge and break them one by one. This is my plan."
With the inheritance of two gods and two divine tools in hand, plus occupying the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and with knowledge from his past life, Tang San's physical strength was gradually improving.
In daily sparring, even Sword Douluo had begun to feel a bit strained.
Tang San's plan was fully laid out, finally making the elders present nod slightly and breathe a sigh of relief.
They were afraid Tang San would act rashly and recklessly.
"If we follow Tang San's plan, we will need to increase the number of spies," Xue Beng squinted slightly.
Spies are extremely rare, and training one requires a lot of money and time.
Sometimes, the resources consumed by one spy can equal those of a regiment of soldiers!
But, spies are worth it.
Among thousands of spies, if even one can return with valuable information, all the previous investments are worthwhile!
"Your Highness, don't worry about the money. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will contribute. But we need help from the Clear Sky Sect, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and other families for the personnel," Ning Fengzhi said.
Tang Xiao and Yu Yuanzhen nodded, "Of course."
"Alright, I will gather the major families to discuss this matter when I return," Xue Beng said, then left the Clear Sky Sect.
"Uncle, has Dugu Bo relented?" Tang San asked after seeing Xue Beng off.
"No," Tang Xiao shook his head, "that old guy is very stubborn. It's almost impossible to use him against the Spirit Empire."
"What about Dugu Yan?" Tang San asked again.
He had always wanted to brainwash Dugu Yan to influence Dugu Bo.
"Still no progress," Ning Fengzhi shook his head.
"Both grandfather and granddaughter received favors from Su Yun, so it's unlikely they will join us."
Yu Yuanzhen snorted, "Humph, I say we should just..."
He made a throat-cutting gesture.
"If we don't eliminate Dugu Bo today, and the Spirit Empire rescues him, he will surely seek revenge against us."
"At that time, it will be our Heaven Dou Empire's soldiers and the disciples of our three upper sects who will suffer."
Yu Yuanzhen's words were not without reason, but...
"No," Tang San shook his head, "if we kill Dugu Bo now, it would be our fault if word got out."
"After all, Su Yun and the others have been kind to Dugu Bo."
Tang Xiao said, "Xiao San, only Dugu Bo himself received their favor, including his granddaughter."
"The Spirit Empire played only a small part in it."
"If Dugu Bo really wanted to repay the favor, he could refrain from killing Su Yun and only target the soldiers sent by the Spirit Empire."
"But he still chose to refuse to join us in fighting against the Spirit Empire. Clearly, he has the intention to join them."
"It's just that he is reluctant to leave the blessed land of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well."
Thanks to Tang San, Tang Xiao and others had also trained in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and noticed their soul power had fluctuated. This was extremely exciting for them, who had been stuck at high levels for many years.
"Tsk..."
Tang San had always wanted to recruit Dugu Bo, but unfortunately, the latter refused to see reason and insisted on siding with the Spirit Empire, which disappointed him.
"Xiao San, you can't hesitate."
"The Spirit Empire will not allow Dugu Bo to remain in our hands. You must make a quick decision, or the Spirit Empire will surely send someone to rescue him," Ning Fengzhi reminded.
Tang San had become the de facto decision-maker for the three upper sects.
Since passing the eighth trial, his power had been steadily increasing.
Even Tang Xiao and others felt considerable pressure.
Everyone voluntarily handed over decision-making power to him.
"Since that's the case, let's execute Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan!"
A ruthless glint flashed in Tang San's eyes. "If we're going to execute them, we must make use of their last value."
"Uncle, spread the news that in seven days, we will execute the traitors Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan."
"Seven days?" Tang Xiao and the others were puzzled. "Xiao San, isn't that too long?"
"Yes, if the Spirit Empire gets wind of this, they will certainly come to rescue Dugu Bo."
Tang San chuckled, "That's exactly what I want."
"Uncle, this is called 'luring the tiger away from the mountain.'"
"Dugu Bo is extremely important to the Spirit Empire. If they get him back, their aggression against our Heaven Dou Empire will increase severalfold."
"Therefore, they will not pass up the opportunity to rescue Dugu Bo."
"And we, during these seven days, will secretly gather our forces and launch a thunderous attack on the seventh day."
Tang San pointed at himself and continued, "On that day, it will be our battle against Su Yun."
"We need to use this time to delay Su Yun as much as possible, giving our frontline troops enough time and energy to push through the Spirit Empire."
Ning Fengzhi voiced his concern, "Xiao San, this is very risky. Don't forget, the Spirit Empire has more Titled Douluo than we do."
"No matter," Tang San's eyes flashed with resolve. "I'll send a letter to Sea God Island, asking the High Priest to lead the Titled Douluo from Sea God Island to assist us."
Titled Douluo from Sea God Island!
Tang Xiao remembered their exceptional strength.
Back then, he had been taught a lesson by them due to his arrogance.
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi and Yu Yuanzhen also recalled Tang San's status as the inheritor of the Sea God.
With the addition of Titled Douluo from Sea God Island, their situation against the Spirit Empire would instantly reverse!
"Good! Xiao San, your plan is indeed thorough. We'll do as you say!"
...
"High Priest, a letter from Tang San."
Bo Saixi took the envelope, read the contents, and her eyes narrowed slightly.
Seeing this, Sea Dragon Douluo and the others asked, "High Priest, is there a problem?"
Bo Saixi took a deep breath and said, "Tang San wants us to temporarily leave Sea God Island and go to the Heaven Dou Imperial City to assist him."
Leave Sea God Island?
The Sea Douluo present were slightly shocked, but Sea Dragon Douluo quickly reacted and asked, "High Priest, does this mean Tang San intends to have a decisive battle with the Spirit Empire?"
Bo Saixi shook her head, then nodded, "Yes and no. This is Tang San's plan. Take a look."
Bo Saixi handed the paper to Sea Dragon Douluo and the others for them to read.
After some time, Sea Dragon Douluo and the others furrowed their brows.
"If Dugu Bo could join the battlefield, he would indeed be a formidable weapon. Unfortunately, he is willing to serve the Spirit Empire?" Sea Dragon Douluo clicked his tongue.
"He was indebted to someone; it's not surprising he would do such a thing."
Bo Saixi said, "The current situation is that the Spirit Empire will not abandon Dugu Bo."
"And what we need to do is help Tang San, to ensure that the rescuers from the Spirit Empire remain in the Heaven Dou Imperial City permanently."
"Tang San has already passed the eighth trial. Once the time is right and he passes the ninth trial, he will become the Sea God."
"At that time, all the people of Sea God Island will be honored because of him!"
"We must help him."
Sea Dragon Douluo said, "Since you have decided, High Priest, we naturally will not refuse."
The other Douluo nodded in agreement.
"Very well. Send a reply, saying we will arrive soon."
"Yes!"
...
"Executing Dugu Bo? This is clearly a trick by Tang San. They are likely trying to lure you over, Your Majesty," the Blue Silver King said.
"Moreover, I don't think they will execute Dugu Bo."
"With such a valuable asset, would they really be willing to kill him?"
In the territory of the Blue Silver Clan, Su Yun had been cultivating when he suddenly received news of Dugu Bo's impending execution by Tang San.
"Not necessarily."
Ah Yin, beside him, said, "Knowing that bastard's mindset, he might very well do it."
"His goal is likely to lure the Spirit Empire and you, Su Yun, into a trap to catch you all."
Su Yun pondered, "Tang San should have passed the eighth trials of the Sea God and the Asura God by now. He does have some confidence to face me."
"But their number of Titled Douluo is not enough to pose a threat to me."
Ah Yin reminded, "But don't forget, Tang San has the support of Sea God Island."
Bibi Dong had previously informed Ah Yin about the current forces on both sides. Although she was not on the battlefield, she could keenly perceive all the changes: "If that bastard takes the opportunity to call the Titled Douluo from Sea God Island and ambush you, even you, Su Yun, could suffer."
"After all, Bibi Dong, as the current Empress of the Spirit Empire, cannot personally go to rescue Dugu Bo, especially considering..."
Ah Yin trailed off, not finishing her sentence.
She was referring to Bibi Dong's pregnancy with Su Yun's child.
Currently, Bibi Dong's physical condition was special.
Although she was the inheritor of the Rakshasa God and had exceptional physical fitness, in her pregnant state, any mishap could result in severe internal and external injuries.
Su Yun agreed with Ah Yin's assessment.
Even if Bibi Dong wanted to take action, he would prevent her from doing so.
"Under normal circumstances, the people from Sea God Island wouldn't easily mobilize. But now that Tang San is the inheritor of the Sea God, if he insists, they might break the norm and take action," Su Yun analyzed.
"There are less than four days until Tang San executes Dugu Bo," Ah Yin reminded.
"I will have people from the Spirit Hall gather information on this matter."
"Be careful."
"Mm."
Ah Yin gave Su Yun a gentle kiss on the cheek, then watched him leave the Blue Silver Clan territory.
...
"Rescue Dugu Bo?"
In the Spirit Empire's council hall, many elders exchanged glances upon hearing the proposal from Holy Son Su Yun.
They had received news that Tang San intended to execute Dugu Bo.
Executing a Titled Douluo!
This news alone was enough to shock countless people on the Douluo Continent.
Such an action would undoubtedly attract numerous people to the Heaven Dou Imperial City.
"Holy Son, with all due respect, Tang San's move is clearly meant to bait us. With his current strength, he likely has a trump card to counter you."
"Moreover, according to our information, Sea God Island has been tightening its surveillance lately, making it difficult for our people to infiltrate."
"It seems there's a significant move behind this."